Home air conditioning install and service business

Homeowners, landlords, real estate agents and small business owners who need a new unit fitted or an existing one fixed or cleaned.

Fixed price per installation, plus call-out and hourly rates for repairs, and a set fee for regular servicing and cleaning. Repeat servicing before summer and winter keeps work steady.

• Refrigeration and air conditioning trade qualification
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Clear quoting and customer service
• Comfortable working in roof spaces and in the heat

• Refrigerant handling needs a licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council. Check what applies to you
• State or territory contractor licensing rules differ, so check your state's licensing body
• Connecting power to a unit usually needs a licensed electrician. Check where your licence stops and who you partner with
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Heavy, hot work in roof spaces. Plan for safe working at height and heat
• Check GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, equipment and insurance. It helps to price up your ute or van setup and your starting stock of parts before you begin.

Things to check: refrigerant handling needs a licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council, and state or territory contractor licensing rules differ, so check your state's licensing body. Also check where your licence stops when connecting power, as that usually needs a licensed electrician.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your mix of installs, services and repairs. That is revenue before costs, and the work typically takes around 25 hours a week or more.